Oversharing?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what’s appropriate to share throughout my blog posts and what isn’t. But today, I thought: it’s my blog, so, apart from being disrespectful to others, I can pretty much say whatever I want on here right? Is it socially awkward/inappropriate? Probably, but I tend to overshare a lot in real life as well, and can’t give two shits on whether people find it appropriate or not. On the internet, however, there’s also the issue of privacy. What if I shared some experiences I’ve had with someone on here without the consent of that person? I always considered that to be a definite no-go zone. However, now I’m thinking that as long as I don’t mention any names, no one should be offended because no one will know who I’m talking about? Unless you’re a follower who’s in my friends- or family circle. Chances are, you already knew it then anyways. Either way, as long as I’m not sure of which way to go when it comes to other people’s lives, I’m not touching that subject. When it comes to my own life, however, it’s entirely up to me.

So here’s a little vent regarding my circumstances lately. If you feel like I’m oversharing, and it makes you uncomfortable, rest assured, this will still remain a blog which is primarily focussing on books. When personal circumstances are interfering with my blogging schedule, as they have been doing for the past month or so, I feel like I owe an explanation (I know I don’t owe anyone anything, but meh) to the people who actually read my posts.

After having excruciating pain 7 days out of the month since December (so bad I wanted to go to the ER), I only recently found out it was being caused by endometriosis. Almost every time I tell someone about this, I get this WTF-look with them having no clue whatsoever on what it is. Here’s a little awareness raising ;).

In endometriosis, displaced endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. Because this displaced tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated, eventually developing scar tissue and adhesions — abnormal tissue that binds organs together.

So I have the endometriomas (‘ironically’ called chocolate cysts), and most likely fertility problems as well. I’m getting everything checked out at the moment including the most painful examination I’ve ever had: a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). Radiographic contrast (dye) is injected into the uterine cavity through the vagina and cervix. The uterine cavity fills with dye, and if the fallopian tubes are open, dye fills the tubes and spills into the abdominal cavity. They can then see if there are any fibroids, tumours, and other blockage factors. My X-rays turned out good, so that was something at least, but OMG THE PAIN! I will get the results of all my tests on the 27th of June. It will be decided then if I need a laparoscopy to spot the actual source of pain (the cause is still unconfirmed to this day because the big cyst and fibroid are on the other side).

While I was winding down after all the hospital visits last week, one day after I wrote my review on The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper in which I discussed growing old together and the impact of remaining behind after one spouse has died, my dad went to the hospital for a colonoscopy. He participated in a national screening for bowel cancer awhile ago, and his results came back shittily (pun intended). We still didn’t think all too much about it until last Friday. Twelve fibroids and something ‘unidentifiable’ were found in his bowels. The surgeon said it didn’t look good. Later that day, my mother collapsed from exhaustion and stress. Three times in a row. Since my parents are 75+ years old, something like that can be incredibly scary for me. What if my mother gets a heart attack, dies, and then my father will officially be diagnosed with bowel cancer? The thoughts of me becoming an orphan haven’t left my mind since Friday. Unless I die first, it is obviously inevitable that this will happen some day. But please, please, not yet.
My dad is getting more X-rays and a CT-scan tomorrow, and we will hear all the results of those tests, including a biopsy they took, this upcoming Friday.

The whole thing has left me apathetic when it comes to books, blogging, and socialising. I can’t read or write much without losing my focus. Hence, there wasn’t a review post today, last week was a mess, and this week will also be a mess. It doesn’t by any means indicate that I’m slowly letting this blog bleed to death. Everything will just be a lot less scheduled/more low maintenance during the entire summer probably, but I’m enjoying this way too much to be one of those bloggers who already give up after a year. Heck, my blogiversary will be up on the 15th of August, and I intend to celebrate the shit out of it if I can! *drops mic*

31 Comments on Oversharing?

I would say that’s absolutely not an over share. And you’re right. It’s your blog, wryly not put what you want to say out there.

As someone who has had cancer in the majority of the family including my mum (clear now thankfully) who has fairly recently nursed a grandmother in her final days and cares for a desperately ill husband (though every so often he has his good days) whose father is waiting for very similar results to your own father, I absolutely feel everything you just said.

Things build up and fall apart and sadly we are very limited in what we can do about it other than trying the best we can to get by, and supporting each other as we go.

Thinking of you lots. Sending you all the good vibes i’very got and hoping you know you’re not alone in these shiniest of times xxxxx

Thank you so much ❤ That’s a shitload of misery for just one person’s plate sweetie. Hubby had to go to the doctor as well last Friday because he had a really suspicious looking mole (all was right, thankfully) but I thought I was going to end up all alone on that day. I bet you experience a similar fear with so much sickness surrounding you…Again, thank you so much ❤ ❤

I’m so sorry you’ve been having such a nasty time. I also had to have a HSG. Fortunately for me it didn’t hurt too much, but it was extremely uncomfortable and for some reason I’ll never understand there were 3 people in the room and 3 people behind the observation glass. I felt like I should be selling tickets. Bah. I hope all your tests lead to some good treatment and you can be pain free.

I also hope your Dad’s tests turn up only benign things which can be treated straight away.

❤ Thanks Claire! It was the same with me! So many people! And the radiologist thought it was a good time to introduce himself while there were 2 other people pulling at my nether regions. Selling tickets wouldn’t have been so bad, we could’ve gotten some ice cream afterwards! 🙂 Thank you so much <3<3

Anne, fuck what everyone else thinks about oversharing. They can go and undershare in their own corner somewhere!

And, here I am, wanting to overswear, because Fuck it! I feel for you because this is all a pile of shit really that’s happening in your life right now. And I know all the horrible feelings and stress around waiting for test results, worrying about ageing parents- it’s just scary as hell… !

One of the worst things, with my own cancer tests (melanoma) was when I got the results and I was terrified of seeing what they had to say. And you know what pissed me off about the results? The fact I couldn’t understand a single word that was written on the document. I was clear, 2 years in a row but remain in high risk group and wish every day that skins on humans came with zippers cause I wish I could change out of my own skin.

To finish up… you’re blog anniversary is nearing, one year… but it feels like you’ve been around here for a decade, because you’ve accomplished so much in that space of time and got so many true followers that I am sure none of us will forget about you or your reviews if you won’t post for a while… You’ll be back and we’ll be right here waiting for you!

Spend time with your family, support your mum and hang out with your dad and don’t forget to take care of yourself!
Thinking of you and your family! ❤

Damn girl, you just made me blow my nose and stuff. Must be that time of the month again ;). Omg, hubby was being tested for melanoma as well last Friday (he doesn’t want me to post that kind of stuff about him, so I’ll save the juicy stuff for in the comments!) and thank fuck, he came out clear as well. But Jesus, no one in their ’20’s should be in a high risk group (no one who’s older either, but you know what I mean). I’m VERY happy to hear you were off the hook there, but JESUS! I understand the not understanding part as well. My father is deaf and my mother is in some mid fase of dementia, so anything they throw at them is already picked up sparsely, let alone all the medical terms. Fucking hell, they just assume everyone went to med school.
Thank you so much ❤ ❤ gets teary eyed again I’m not afraid people will forget about me, but just the usual being guilt ridden when I can’t stick to any commitments I’ve made sighs. like a true pipra vitt ;). ❤

Give guilty feelings a kick in the arse! Don’t worry about commitments and if there’s ever a far away stranger you need to vent your frustrations out to, then hit me up, I’ll always make time for you!
Stay awesome, stay strong and never lose hope of better/happier days to come!

It’s not oversharing at all. Personally, I like to get to know the people behind the books, I like the personal stories. Even though I’m not sick, I really feel you. I’m an only child and both my parents were in different hospitals suddenly in November last year in the same week. They are both ok now but I contemplated a lot too back then. You are definitely not alone, feel free to vent and share because we are all regular people, often with the same fears, and we’d like nothing better than to give our support. I send you a lot of positive thoughts!

Thank you so much ❤ It’s frightening isn’t it, if they’re both down all of a sudden? I can imagine it’s even worse as an only child, so I’m glad everything turned out okay again for your parents! I have one sister and she’s 16 years older than me, but even though our lives are very different, we can still share the same worries. You’re right, everybody is probably afraid to end up being alone. Sharing things like these really helps! Thanks again! <3<3

My sincere sympathies for all that you are going through right now. I hope you can stay strong and hope for the best outcomes in everything you have on your plate right now.

And don’t worry about oversharing, it’s your space and the way I see it if someone doesn’t want to read a personal story then they could always move on to the next post. Sometimes helps to get things off your chest so I think most will understand.

picks up mic
I really enjoy you, well…. as you and It pains me to read that such a nice and unique person is going through the rugged bumps in life in additive fashion. Please be well and my prayers are with you and your family.

Anne, I wish I lived in Belgium so I could give you a hug. It seems like when one thing happens, others start to pop up as well. I’ve been there. I had breast cancer at the same time my mom had lung cancer. It was so hard taking care of her, while dealing with my own illness. I think I have turned into an avid reader as a way of honoring my Mom. I understand now why she immersed herself in books as an escape from real life. I hope you feel better soon.

I can feel it all the way from SF to here Ardis ❤ Thank you! Oh my god, that sounds so tragic and horrible. I can’t even begin to imagine what that must’ve been like to carry all at the same time. I take it she didn’t make it through in the end? Yet you’re still here, and what a fighter you are! Books are any sick person’s best friend. Or they should be, at least :). Thank you, you guys are all so sweet ❤

It’s not oversharing! It’s your blog. You can post whatever you want and it’s okay to share sometimes.
I hope your parents and you get well soon. I’m praying for the health for you all! Take care of yourself and your parents.
Stay Strong! And don’t worry, everything will be fine.

Thanks sweetie ❤ I try not to overdo it though for the sake of keeping things lighthearted and fun around here :). Thank you so much! We’re getting my father’s results back tomorrow afternoon and can use all the best wishes and prayers in the world ❤

I also walk the line of oversharing. I never thought of it before, but in the last year I’ve come to think about it more and more because I am a public servant and my school’s community even has Facebook pages set up by parents just to gossip and bash teachers. I don’t want them finding my blog, but I also want to share it with some of my coworkers.

I also suffer from oversharing. I’m like that IRL with most people, too. I think as long as you have your own standards that you mentioned about sharing, you’re okay. I’ve shared many things on my book blog throughout the years. I think I only refer to my brothers by their names, which are initials and most people get them all mixed up anyway. We might as well just call all of them J.

I did recently start a personal blog that is much more explicit in my experiences and thoughts, especially about relationships. It is oversharing to the max.

Charlie, I always keep your blog in the back of my mind as an inspiration when I’m having doubts about sharing personal things on here. I say to myself that I always think it’s great to read about what’s happening in your life (well, or not so great, but it’s always hella interesting!). Your Sunday posts are actually the ones I enjoy the most cause we get to see new pics of Baby and such. It’s what sets one blog apart from the other.

I know these are book blogs and they should focus on books, but I also think it’s important to get to know the person who’s behind it. I don’t take my book recommendations from just anyone!

Oversharing to the max is better on a personal blog idd, preferably an anonymous one. I made the ‘mistake’ to make all my friends like this site, in the beginning, to get things going, so I always have to be careful with what I say now. Initials and ‘my friend’ or ‘my cousin’ work just fine.

I hope you won’t mind (another) male perspective. We men don’t have much of an idea what goes on on the other side of the ‘gender frontier’. And when we have a problem – and we do sometimes – we tend to clam up about it (or make jokes). A friend of mine is currently going through such an episodes (not eating, losing weight, pains) and when I ask him how he is he only shrugs and says OK.
What you’ve been going through seems ABSOLUTELY shitty to me, and I most sincerely hope they can sort out the problem without harm. Actually, I think it very brave of you to put all this stuff on line at all. And it’s amazing that your friends are opening up about THEIR problems.
I hope you will go on writing your thoughts here and elsewhere for many, many years yet. Be well as soon as you can!
Very best wishes,
Andrew

😀 One of my (male) friends came back home from a trip and found his father with a band-aid on his nose. When he asked what happened, his father simply shrugged and said “Skin cancer”. And that was the end of it. Men. Shakes head. ;). I tend to be very open about things like these because they affect me so much every day. There are also people who talk about their job a lot and I’m not one of those. So I believe everyone has at least one thing they open up about easier than other things (and I also believe that’s some poorly constructed grammar there). It is, indeed, SO amazing to see people opening up in this comment section! And it really, really helps me to put things in perspective and grant me some extra strength to keep my chin up. Thank you so much Andrew ❤ Your comment added another glass full to my mental bucket of optimism.

Oh goodness, Anne, I’m so sorry that the last few months have been hard for you! I hope both you, your dad, and the rest of your family are alright. I hope the warm summer weather helps bring better health instead of just being another pain in the butt. 😦
Who defined oversharing? I think the only real oversharing is discussing medical horror stories over dinner (with a mother who’s a nurse who gets a KICK out of watching us squirm), therefore discussing what you need to / want to on your own blog is not oversharing! We’re all here for you if you need anything. 🙂
Why does life have to be so cruel.. chocolate cysts. scoffsgoes searching for chocolatecries and has tea instead[ GIF ][ GIF ]Also, possibly a new hobby?

Meh, shit happens. My dad was officially diagnosed with bowel cancer yesterday :(. Plus it has probably spread to one of his kidneys. I’ll be translating at the hospital again this upcoming week because my dad is slightly deaf and refuses to put in his hearing aids, and my mom is suffering from dementia, so the information doesn’t really reach them properly without a ‘mediator’.
Lol at your mother’s dinner stories, though. Mmmm, spaghetti with tomato sauce! ;). Thank you so much ❤ I dunno man, but regular chocolate (not the cysts) tend to help (tea as well). Ahahaha, love the gifs! That last one sounds like a blast idd! XD

Goodreads

Kindle Edition, 320 pages Published July 5th, 2016 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) Okay, to be [...]

15 Comments

Affiliates Disclaimer

Inked Brownies is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.amazon.com